The next day, Karakura Town returned to its usual calm.
Despite the massive Hollow attack the night before, ordinary citizens remembered nothing—thanks to the combined intervention of Urahara Kisuke, Tessai, Kurotsuki Renya, and Yoruichi. The Hollows were purified, the Menos repelled, and the remaining distortions erased. With Ishida Uryū and Kurosaki Ichigo contributing heavily, even the Menos Grande that appeared was forced back into Hueco Mundo.
With the threat over, Ichigo returned to school.
Because of yesterday's battle, his relationship with Uryū had grown closer, even if Ichigo refused to openly admit it. Many students relaxed after the danger passed, unaware of how close disaster had come.
When tension loosens, vigilance naturally collapses.
That afternoon, Rukia sensed a tracker following her.
So that evening, in Ichigo's bedroom, she left a letter—one meant to cut ties and protect him. With her backpack slung over her shoulder, she quietly left the Kurosaki home.
Kurotsuki Renya followed from the shadows, concealed beneath a black cloak that hid his reiatsu.
From rooftops and street corners, he watched Rukia cross the riverbank and run toward the outskirts of town.
Then, someone appeared directly in front of her.
"Kuchiki Rukia. I've finally found you."
Abarai Renji descended from the air, Zanpakutō drawn, eyes sharp with conflicted duty.
Rukia gasped, immediately recognizing him.
"Abarai Renji!"
Renji stepped toward her. "Stop running. Tell me—where is the human who took your Shinigami powers?"
Rukia staggered back. "My powers weren't stolen. I'm only using a Gigai. I'm still—"
"Don't lie to me." Renji's tone tightened. "Your crimes were already reported by the Onmitsukidō. The Central 46 didn't hand your case to the Detention Unit. Captain Kuchiki and I came personally. Be grateful—it's mercy compared to what could've happened. Isn't that right, Captain Kuchiki?"
A chill ran through the air.
From behind Rukia, Kuchiki Byakuyaappeared silently, as if the world itself had parted for him.
"Brother…"
Rukia's voice trembled.
"Rukia," Byakuya answered softly, unreadable as ever.
Renji attacked again, swinging Zabimaru. Rukia dodged desperately.
"Tell me where he is!" Renji shouted. "The one who received your powers! If he's eliminated, the Central 46 might reduce your sentence!"
Rukia refused. She would not betray Ichigo—no matter the cost.
Renji understood her stubbornness. They had grown up together, trained together, survived Rukongai together. Even after Rukia was adopted into the noble Kuchiki family, their bond never completely broke.
But Central 46 demanded results, and Renji believed this was the only path to save her.
Kurotsuki Renya watched silently. Renji's actions, though harsh, were not motivated by cruelty—only duty.
Suddenly, a glowing Quincy arrow shot through the alleyway, parrying Renji's strike.
Ishida Uryū had arrived.
What followed was the familiar sequence:
Uryū was swiftly incapacitated, Ichigo arrived with aid from Urahara, and a fierce battle broke out.
Ichigo fought with raw determination, briefly overwhelming Renji despite the vice-captain holding back most of his spiritual pressure.
But Byakuya stepped forward, effortlessly blocking Ichigo's blade and destroying it with a single graceful movement.
With precise, devastating strikes, Byakuya left Ichigo unable to stand.
Then, Byakuya and Renji seized Rukia and prepared to return to Seireitei.
From a rooftop, Urahara watched the scene unfold beneath the brim of his hat.
"I brought Kurosaki Ichigo here exactly as you predicted," Urahara murmured. "But he wasn't even close to being a match. With only one-fifth of their spiritual pressure available in the Human World, even vice-captains outclass him. Are you certain he should enter Seireitei?"
Kurotsuki Renya stepped from the shadows, expression calm despite the tension twisting inside him.
"With my current strength, I could intervene," Renya said, "but Ichigo must go to Seireitei. His potential surpasses any expectations. And for our plan… Ichigo is necessary. He restrains Aizen in ways Aizen cannot foresee."
Urahara studied him.
Renya continued, "Please bring Ichigo back to the shop. Call in Sado Yasutora, Ishida Uryū, and Inoue Orihime as well. Train them. Prepare them. They all must go."
Urahara nodded.
"The execution is scheduled for one month. I'll train Ichigo for ten days. Opening the Senkaimon will take seven more. That leaves thirteen days. It should be enough, right?"
"Enough."
Renya began walking away. "Inform me before departure."
"I will," Urahara replied.
He watched Renya's retreating back and exhaled quietly. Despite Renya's steady voice, Urahara knew the truth—Renya was nervous. Extremely nervous. Only someone fearing the future would prepare so intensely.
Rain began to fall lightly.
Urahara opened his umbrella, shielded the unconscious Ichigo from the drizzle, and carried him away.
. . .
Renya returned to the Visored hideout. After washing up, he lay in bed, eyes closed.
Ten days of Ichigo's training, seven days to open the gate—seventeen days of waiting.
During this time, Renya intended to do only three things:
Rest.
Recover.
Perfect the plan.
He feared Aizen—anyone sane did—but he would face him. He reviewed every contingency, every backup, preparing multiple fail-safes for every risk.
Seventeen days passed.
Then, on the morning of departure, a black cat appeared silently in Renya's room.
Renya rose without speaking, grabbed his Zanpakutō, and donned his black cloak.
At the warehouse entrance, the Visoreds waited.
Hiyori glared at him. "Make sure you kill that bastard Aizen!"
Hirako Shinji placed a hand on her head. "Just get revenge for us, kid."
Love Aikawa smirked. "Don't die, Renya."
Kensei Muguruma added, "If you can't win, retreat. Staying alive isn't shameful."
One by one, they offered words—mocking, stern, protective.
Finally, Lisa Yadōmaru stepped forward. She wrapped her arms around him.
"Renya… be careful."
Renya smiled, showing a flash of white teeth. "I will."
He stepped out into the night.
Yoruichi followed.
Their figures vanished into the darkness.